Bagelmans bakery switches to biodegradable cups

Brighton-based bakery Bagelmans has made its coffee cups biodegradable and 100% recyclable.

The bakery, which claims to be the first food business in the area to make the change, is also offering a discount to customers who bring in their own reusable cups.

The new coffee cups take 12 weeks to degrade completely under normal compostable conditions, according to the bakery.

“This is the final step in a process that has seen the business switch all its packaging to biodegradable and compostable over the last 12 months,” said Anthony Prior, chief executive of Bagelmans.

“If they do end up in landfill, they break down at the same rate as other biodegradable waste such as paper and food, compared to up to 30 years for a traditional plastic-lined cup. The plant-based PLA (polylactic acid) lining in Bagelman’s cups also makes them guaranteed to be recyclable.”

Prior added that Bagelman's has been working tirelessly to make the business as sustainable as possible.

“All our coffee beans are ethical and are sourced directly from the farmers. We’re increasing the plant-based options on our menu and tackling food waste with our new beer Optimist made from waste bagels.”